Introduction
Abhinav Manohar has made a name for himself in India’s domestic cricket scene with his explosive six-hitting. He has already showcased his talents in the IPL 2024 and now aims for greater heights. With his eyes set on playing first-class cricket and eventually representing India, Manohar is focused on taking his game to the next level.
The Rise of T20 Leagues in India
India’s state associations have introduced their own T20 leagues, creating a vast pool of players who dream of playing in the IPL. However, only a few make it to the big stage. Manohar, a standout performer in Karnataka’s T20 league, the Maharaja T20 Trophy, is one of those few. He has developed into a key player with his consistent six-hitting ability.
Manohar’s Six-Hitting Prowess
In the 2023 Maharaja T20 Trophy, Manohar smashed 52 sixes, far outpacing the second-best, Karun Nair, who hit 27. Despite his team, Shivamogga Lions, finishing fifth, Manohar led the run charts with 507 runs at an impressive strike rate of 196.51. His ability to clear boundaries with ease has become his defining strength.
Manohar credits his success to intense practice. “I bat for about 300 balls each session and focus on hitting 150 sixes,” he explained during an interview. His dedication and self-belief have helped him improve his power-hitting game.
Mental Strength and Self-Belief
Manohar admits that earlier in his career, he didn’t always back himself enough. But in recent years, he has learned to trust his abilities. “I know I can clear any boundary,” he says with confidence. This self-assurance has played a vital role in his rise as a destructive batter.
Apart from his aggressive style, Manohar has worked on technical aspects of his game over the last few months. His two batting coaches, Mithun Manhas and Sudhindra Shinde, have played a crucial role in shaping his technique. “They deserve half the credit for my success in the Maharaja Trophy,” he says.
Staying Relaxed Under Pressure
Manohar has developed a unique way to stay relaxed before going out to bat. Rather than focusing too much on the opposition or conditions, he keeps things light by joking around with his teammates in the dressing room. This laid-back approach helps him maintain composure when facing intense pressure on the field.
Late Start in Domestic Cricket
Despite making his domestic debut at the age of 27, when many players are at their peak, Manohar wasted no time making an impact. In his debut T20 match for Karnataka during the 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he scored a match-winning 70* off 49 balls, leading his team to victory.
His performance in that tournament caught the attention of IPL scouts. In the 2022 IPL mega auction, teams like Gujarat Titans (GT), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Delhi Capitals (DC) showed interest in him. GT eventually won the bidding war, securing Manohar for INR 2.6 crore, a massive jump from his base price.
Experience in the IPL
Playing alongside top players like Hardik Pandya, David Miller, and Rashid Khan in the IPL was a dream come true for Manohar. Although he didn’t get much game time in the 2022 season, he contributed valuable cameos and enjoyed learning from his experienced teammates.
Manohar formed a strong partnership with Hardik Pandya, sharing three half-century stands across two IPL seasons. His contributions, though brief, were vital for GT. He credits Hardik for his positive energy and guidance both on and off the field.
Evolving as a Finisher
Manohar’s role as a finisher for Gujarat Titans continued in 2023, where he batted at No. 6 in most games. Although he played only two games in the IPL 2024 season, he learned valuable lessons about maintaining a steady mindset. “Backing myself and controlling my emotions have been key takeaways from my IPL experience,” he says.
Success in Domestic Tournaments
Manohar’s power-hitting hasn’t been limited to the IPL 2024. In the 2022 Maharaja Trophy, he scored 352 runs at an average of 70.40 and a strike rate of 175.12, becoming the highest run-scorer for Mangalore United. His form carried into the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a crucial role in Karnataka’s campaign.
At the Maharaja Trophy auction, Manohar was the highest-paid player, bought for INR 15 lakh by Shivamogga Lions. His consistent performances continued as he became the team’s second-highest run-scorer with 258 runs.
Looking Ahead to the Future
The 2025 IPL mega auction is on the horizon, and Manohar hopes to continue playing for Gujarat Titans. More importantly, he is eager for increased game time. “I’ve finetuned my game this year and hope to carry this form into the IPL,” he says.
But his ambitions don’t stop at T20 cricket. Manohar also wants to cement his place in Karnataka’s List A side and break into first-class cricket. “I’ve been working on my game for longer formats, and I hope the selectors give me a chance to prove myself,” he says.
Dreaming of India Call-Up
Manohar’s ultimate dream is to represent India. He knows that strong performances in the IPL 2024 could help him achieve that goal. He looks to players like Riyan Parag, who made his India debut after shining in the IPL, as inspiration. “I hope to follow in their footsteps and wear the India jersey someday,” he says.
Conclusion
Abhinav Manohar’s journey from domestic cricket to the IPL has been marked by hard work, determination, and a fierce belief in his abilities. With his powerful six-hitting and growing confidence, he has already made waves in the T20 world. As he sets his sights on bigger goals, including first-class cricket and a potential India call-up, Manohar’s future looks bright. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
